Skillz

Very dodgy transfer. Good spot Gomez.

Posted this in the SOS forum but thought I would repost here as it is a fairly easy question.

The Keane signing is for me one of Rafa's best and most astute. For starters we were too reliant on Torres last year, thankfully he had only one or two minor injuries. Keane offers great options as a proven PL goal scorer and would form a partnership with Kuyt or Babel (anyone actually) pretty quickly in a 4-4-2 if we needed him I suspect SG will play CM a lot against <top 6 teams at home in a 4-4-2 with SG ahead of Mash centrally to allow us to play more attacking football. The question me for is how do we line up against MU,Chelsea where the 4-2-3-1 failed in the main, IMO as Torres was left exposed too much against quality defenders. Possibly a 4-4-1-1 eg ---------back 5------- SG---Mash--Alonso-Riera -----------Keane------- --------Torres-------- I think Stevie struggle against the other top 4 teams, as do their midfielders (lets face it they generally cancel themselves out) so why not play SG on the right and hope he gets a bit of space to do his thing.

Masher is getting there and I think will surpass Didi easily, eventually. However Didi at his best was great to watch, it's a tough call.

Agree with all of that. Especially the bit about Spurs fans. I have had experience with meeting legends in my time and know they rarely turn out as you thought they would. I went through school and was mates with one who I know let a lot of kids down. Steve Waugh is the exception to this, I met him once in a bar and he was exactly how I thought he would be. Pure class and dignity. From what I have read of Carra' AB, just the snippet's, he comes across as a straight up honest bloke. Can't be f***ed playing the game, this is me. I do not like all I have read, but some of it has been excellant. I am from Australia so I do not relate to him as a scouser. His honesty and "f*** you this is me" attitude I can relate to, most of all though I respect it.

Dubai = Liverpool Saudi = Manu a*** = The Oligarch? (with Dein) Anyone sense David Dein was in the know some time ago. He left the club after aligning himself with a very wealthy shareholder and has connections with Dubai as well. My bet is the current board at Arsenal s*** themselves before too long and sell. No wonder Wenger stayed

Great post George. Not much I can add to that, agree with all of it. I will say that I think many forget how much the total wage bill determines transfer policy. Rafa had Daio, Diouf, Cheyrou, Le Tallec (6 years ), etc on big wages. When people ask why Rafa didn't spend big money on the wings that should be part of your answer. He had to get top 4, hence the focus on the spine. Also, if Harry managed to stay fit IMO we would of already competed for the league, Rafa gambled and lost there.

I was referring to Super clubs. Arsenal are a big club, but simply are not on LFC level worldwide, IMO.

The English League has a massive world wide audience that is growing, fast. The potential is massive and thats why chancers are prepared to have a go. Thats why H&G will soon cut and run, its a big boy game now. Liverpool are the only team available in the "Super" club status although I suspect the scum will soon be for sale. The Glazers will find it hard to compete and the risk will grow quickly.

Very good point actually. Infact I suspect if you asked the yanks discreetly they would encourage it. Why? Because they are c....

I know that is a joke but I do wonder sometimes!!

We need some one tougher than Owen...or Voronin.. even Kewell. I give you [media]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2eMkth8FWno[media]

That's a given.

I thought there were clear signs of improvement but I also understand the frustration. What gets me is the lack in faith in Rafa to sort it out. Not necessarily here BTW.

and that is surely the most fundamental difference.

Agree with that. A certain phrase comes to my mind today reading various forums "Be careful what you wish for"

1. Reina (in fantastic form) 2. Carra 3. Dossena Cred to Masch, Xabi and KUYT (his touch was much, much improved)

Not sure. Give them and call and ask them. If they don't know make sure you tell them!

Only Manchester brings what we bring IMO. We are bigger than Chelsea and Arsenal by some margin worldwide.

Brilliant. Great article and loving reading stories from the past like that.

Bloody Parry apologist

We will not sell Alonso without buying Barry surely. That's a given, I just happen to think it will happen, Arsenal need him and I think Rafa might risk it so he can build the team he wants. It's just an opinion but nothing really surprises me anymore when it comes to transfers and perhaps that inspires me to think outside the square a bit because all indications suggest this deal (Barry to Anfield) is dead. We will soon find out but first things 1st. We must beat Leige

TBF that goes without saying. It's a big game but for me it will be important for being Robbie Keane's day. Think he will score because from what i have seen of him he can score in the box. Leige are likely to spend time defending in the box tomorrow IMO and he will benefit. 3-0 and we move on.

IMO, that will be Barry, with Alonso going to the a*** at a much more realistic price.

Surely Carvalho should be in before Terry!